The Ab Sonic is a product that claims to help users lose weight and build muscle around their abdominal muscles. By using electronic stimulation, the product supposedly can help users lose weight while doing household chores, walking the dog or sitting on the couch and watching television These claims are fantastic, but the reality is somewhat less.

Electric Muscle Stimulation

The Ab Sonic is a device worn around the midsection in a belt-like manner. It is connected to an electrical source that sends out shock waves that stimulate nerves and cause muscle contractions. The claim made by the manufacturer is that if the customer wears the belt for 10 minutes at a time at least five days per week, the customer will lose fat and gain muscle around the midsection.

Muscle Activity

When the Ab Sonic is activated, electronic impulses are delivered to the individual wearing the belt. This will stimulate the nerves in the midsection by stretching them out and then relaxing them. As the nerves react, the muscles in and around the abdomen react in a similar manner.

Research

A 2002 study conducted by University of Wisconsin professor John Porcari examined the claims of weight loss and strength gain by using electronic muscle stimulation. The study used 29 students who had not engaged in any formal exercise over the previous six months. One group used the electronic muscle stimulation three times per week for eight weeks, and the other group used faulty equipment. Before the start of the study, measurements were taken for body weight, body fat, girths and strengths of each participant. The study revealed that there were no changes in either group after the eight-week period.

Additional Issues

The Wisconsin study also found that it took nearly 45 minutes per session to get the ab belt to work properly and that individuals who used the belt often suffered skin burns from the device. The device required a thin area of water to conduct the electricity, facilitating the burns.